15th Annual VALLEY OF THE SUN, John Earley Memorial Stage Race


NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
MEDIA COORDINATORS: 
Maggie Williams: 602 242-5413
Sherri Bajer:  480.703-9150
 
 

CYCLISTS OF ALL AGES AND LEVELS UNITE NATIONAL-LEVEL CYCLING EVENT
Anticipated Participants and Spectators to Top 8000 people
 

 
Phoenix—The 15th Annual VALLEY OF THE SUN, John Earley Memorial Stage Race, presented by the JF Companies, Trek and Landis Cyclery will be held Friday, Saturday, & Sunday February 16, 17, & 18.

 

The VALLEY OF THE SUN Stage Race will be held in the greater Phoenix area by the White Mountain Road Club, and this premiere event has become the largest attended, multi-day bicycle race in North America.  In 2006, over 900 cyclists competed and in front of thousands of enthusiastic spectators as they lined the courses cheering on the riders.  The 2007 race will award over $15,000 in cash and prizes, and will attract some of the top professional cycling teams from North America and abroad. In addition, the three-day event hosts a variety of fund raising events for various non-profit organizations, including a race just for kids (complete with a helmet fitting clinic prior). Details about these events, and more, are listed below.

 

On, Sunday, February 18th, there will be two special events: 
•    A Bike Rodeo will be conducted by the Phoenix Police Department, along with the SAFE KIDS Coalition of Maricopa County.  The Landis/Trek regional “elite” team will conduct a Bike Rodeo and Helmet Fitting clinic from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

 

•    8th Annual KIDS RACE, Race begins at 2:30.  All children 3 years and older, with a helmet and a bike, can race.  Race registration is at Wesley Bolen Plaza beginning at 11:00 am.  This three-day event offers men and women, both amateur and professional road racing cyclists of all levels, the opportunity to compete for cash and prizes.  Racing will start at 7:30 am and conclude approximately 4:00 pm each day.

 

The three events include:

 
Friday, February 16, 2007
Stage 1
Individual Time Trial. 
Course:  12 mile race at Sun Valley Parkway, west of Phoenix

 

 
Saturday, February 17, 2007 
Stage 2
Road Race
Course:  50 to 100 mile race in Casa Grande

 

 
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Stage 3 
Downtown Capital Criterium
Course:  Wesley Bolen Plaza, Phoenix, Arizona
Each race will last between 30 and 70 minutes
 

 

For information or registration for the 15th Annual,  VALLEY OF THE SUN, John Earley Memorial Stage Race, presented by Landis Cyclery, TREK, JF Companies and the Town of Buckeye, please visit www.wmrc.org or call (480) 730-1055.  The event is hosted by the Valley’s own, WHITE MOUNTAIN ROAD CLUB, USA Cycling’s 2001, Division I Club of the year.  White Mountain Road Club is a nonprofit (501c3) organization based in Phoenix, Arizona. Since 1997 this club has been registered with the State Corporation Commission of Arizona as a nonprofit club. The club is affiliated with the United States Cycling Federation (USCF) which promotes professional and amateur bicycle racing in the United States.
 

Terry Roach in Phoenix Magazine

A woman in a green jersey.


Terry Roach

 

Terry Roach in Phoenix MagazineEvery athlete suffers injuries. For Terry Roach, hers made her stronger. A back injury from a car accident left the world-champion cyclist in pain for nearly a decade – physical therapy provided only slight relief. After successful back surgery, though, and earning a master’s degree in secondary education from ASU with an emphasis on exercise physiology, Roach became inspired to help others. In 199 1, she created Body Stabilization Training, a physical training and rehabilitation program in Phoenix that uses different techniques – from yoga and martial arts to kinesiology – to heal and strengthen patients. The goal, she says, is to retrain patients to move their bodies correctly, taking stress away from certain muscles. Some clients are 80- year-old women who simply want so move around the house. Others are pro athletes, including Phoenix Suns players, who want to step up their games. Although the venture keeps Roach busy it hasn’t slowed her own physical ambitions. Aside from being a cyclist, she’s also a mountain biker, snow skier, water skier, scuba diver, tri-athlete, adventure racer, tennis player, golfer, hiker, camper and a single mother.

 

Was your injury a Messing in disguise?

Absolutely. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. Because of the research I put into the back program, I already knew some things, but I didn’t understand the importance until I had to come back from a back injury, I’ve been training since 1984, and I had the back surgery in 1987. Three years ago, I crashed while mountain biking and those injuries gave me perspective about neck problems. Within three weeks I was back teaching, wearing a collar because I already knew how to move. 1 was basically able to bounce back really fast.

 

When did you realize your program was a successful?

When I had my first patient come back and say, You’ve changed my life.” That’s the most rewarding you can ask for as an educator. There is no such thing as pain-free, only pain management.

 

Describe your favorite type of client.

People who want to help themselves. I can give you the tools and the skills to help yourself. The body management skills can be used as you get older. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro athlete or an 80-yearold woman who wants to get around the house. People who [endure] some pain have to invest more. I’ve been there.

 

What’s the worst trait a client can have?

Lack of integrity

 

What’s been your greatest accomplishment?

First, my children. My son (29) is a police officer and my daughter (25) is a registered nurse. We’re all into service. Second is my first world championship in England. It was an individual pursuit. It was 1998. In 1997,I had a lot of mechanical [problems] and lost the gold because of the mechanics of the bike. The next year I went back to compete. I broke a lot of records. I thought, “This is all worth it.”

 

What’s best advice you’ve ever received?

“Champions come back from adversity” My first coach, John Farrar, said that. I’ve used that phrase for every difficult thing I have in my Me. You put it in your head, no matter how many times you’ve been down -and I’ve been down. The man upstairs watches out for us.

 

When you play the part of a spectator, instead of an athlete, what sports do you like?

I love tennis and skiing. I love anything active. I love to watch kids’ soccer games. I’m so into movement. Anything involving movement.

 

What’s your favorite Sunday activity?

I love to just sit and read a book – a non-thinking book – and listen to water. I let my mind go.

 

You must stick to a healthy diet – any guilty pleasured?

Oh, yes, many. I low sweet-potato fries and chocolate- chip cookies. I love desserts.

 

Are you into any of he fitness reality shows on television?

I’m not familiar with many except The Biggest Loser. It’s a fantastic show. It gives our society the idea that you make a change in yourself if you take the responsibility Sometimes, we want such a quick fix. It’s not easy – you have to invest that time. I love that show.

 

Who do you look up to?

I respect anyone who’s picked themselves up by their bootstraps. I really appreciate success stories. Anyone can come back from hardship.

 


 

November 2006 – Phoenix Magazine

Interviewed by Katie Ruark

Photo by Paul Markow

 

For more information about Body Stabilization Training, visit bodystabilization.com

Tempe Helmet Sales Event

 

Hello everyone! Susan Bookspan is needing a few more volunteers for the Tour de Tempe Helmet Sales Event on October 22nd. Those of you who have already signed up to help, please confirm with Susan that you will be there. The location is at Kiwanis Park, All American Way, just north of Guadalupe road in Tempe. Volunteers help sell helmets to ride participants. There will be a quick refresher course before the event for people who are new to helmet fitting. Set up is at 6:00 am and we are finished on or before 9:00 am. Please e-mail Susan at [email protected] or call her at 602.546.1711 if you have any questions. Have a great day!

 

Silent Sunday at South Mountain – Sunday October 22

 

On Sunday October 22, 2006, South Mountain is holding its first ever Silent Sunday, where personal vehicles will not be allowed on the road past the Activity Complex. This will give the wildlife a break from the fumes and traffic and will give people the chance to enjoy the preserve without the noise or traffic from the road. There will be vendors and informational booths along with Ranger led hikes and interpretive programs offered throughout the day. I am writing to invite your club to this event which will be taking place all day. Please let me know if you would like to attend this event. Parking will be available at the Activity Complex.If you have any questions or comments you can feel free to e-mail or call me at the phone number listed below. Sincerely, Craig Kosturik Park Ranger II South Mountain Park / Preserve 10919 South Central Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85042 Phone # 602-262-7393 Fax # 602-495-0212 [email protected]

Phoenix Parks Dept has scheduled a “Silent Sunday” car-free day at South Mtn. once a month thru the end of the year. May 27 June 24 July 22 Aug 26 Sept 23 Oct 28 Nov 18 Dec 23 The more cyclists who show up the more likely they will continue. Please post on your website.

 

Remembering Paula


If it is Labor Day weekend and if you’re a bike racer in New Mexico it must be Record Challenge, since 1985 anyway. Those of you in Arizona who have raced this event understand a bit of its cult status. This race was first promoted by Paula Higgins and Jerry Kituttu (85-94) until another NM bike racing pillar, Bill McLain, picked up the job. Bill had asked Jerry and Paula to run Record Challenge this year before he lost a long battle with melanoma in May. After Paula died in July, Jerry decided he was not up to the task.

Randy Corcoran (New Mexico Velosport) took up the job. The race was renamed as the Paula Higgins Memorial Record Challenge. On September 3, 83 people raced, ranging in age from 10-80. Marsha Macro from Hammer Racing Team set a new national record for her 60-64 age group with a time of 31:12.74 (20k distance). Together with the Midwest Masters race team, Record Challenge presented beautifully engraved Nambe serving platters to the fastest male and female racers of the day. The Bill McLain award went to Mick Heliman from Team Fralock who turned a very fast 51:34.58 (40 k distance). Bills wife Laura was on hand to present the award to Mick.

In the women’s 40k category, there were three women within 3 seconds of each other, all with special ties to Paula. Julie Kaplan (San Diego Cyclo Vets) turned a 59:50.60. Julie and Paula had won two Masters Championships in tandem time trial events (01 & 05). Laurie Mauderly (New Mexico Velosport) rode a 59:48.71, using Paula’s TREK time trial bike (at Jerry’s request). Laurie told me she had learned so much from Paula this last racing season that she felt she owed her NM Race Series jersey to Paula’s help and encouragement. Landis’ own Merrill Sapp just edged out Laurie with a 59:48.29. When Jerry presented Merrill with her award there was hardly a dry eye around. Carolyn Donnelly and I were there to help out along with others like Tony Geller, Tim Schoeny, Pamela Thullen, Al Watters, Mike Gilb, Todd Bauer, Orval Hart (timing), several Torrance county sheriffs and of course Randy Corcoran (sorry if I left anyone out).

On September 4 there were 27 starts, including 4 tandems and one 4 person time trial team. Eleanor Hamre set a new Masters Women 70+ 20K record at 34.11.28 beating the old record by 53 seconds (full results can be found at http://www.recordchallenge.com/).

On Monday Carolyn rode with Jerry, which was tough for both of them, but done in the spirit of remembering Paula and doing what she would have wanted. Jerry told me “I think she may be the only rider who did Record Challenge every year since it began in 1985. She always rode both days, and sometimes twice on the same day – once solo and then jumping on the tandem to go again.†Often that tandem ride was with Jerry. In a tandem ride in 1995 Paula and Carolyn set a still standing Elite Women’s record with a 52:00:55.

Only some of the Landis team were close to Paula, but I encourage all of us to remember her life: the determination and passion with which she pursued things, like cycling, that she loved and the way she supported other racers (team mates and competitors) even if they had just placed better than her. By trying to incorporate these ideals that Paula lived by into out own lives we will benefit and we can keep Paula close even though she is gone.

Thanks

Jennifer Buntz

Silent Sunday at South Mountain – Sunday October 22

 

On Sunday October 22, 2006, South Mountain is holding its first ever Silent Sunday, where personal vehicles will not be allowed on the road past the Activity Complex. This will give the wildlife a break from the fumes and traffic and will give people the chance to enjoy the preserve without the noise or traffic from the road. There will be vendors and informational booths along with Ranger led hikes and interpretive programs offered throughout the day. I am writing to invite your club to this event which will be taking place all day. Please let me know if you would like to attend this event. Parking will be available at the Activity Complex. If you have any questions or comments you can feel free to e-mail or call me at the phone number listed below. Sincerely, Craig Kosturik Park Ranger II South Mountain Park / Preserve 10919 South Central Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85042 Phone # 602-262-7393 Fax # 602-495-0212 [email protected]

 

Drivers give helmeted cyclists less room

 

TORONTO (Reuters) – Motorists give greater leeway to cyclists who do not wear safety helmets, according to a study by a academic in Britain who was hit by traffic twice as he rode his bike to carry out his research.

Researcher Ian Walker from the Department of Psychology of Britain’s University of Bath found drivers were up to two times more likely to get close when passing cyclists wearing helmets than when overtaking bare-headed pedalers.

He said wearing a helmet might therefore make a collision more likely, but a safety-advocacy group cautioned against giving up a helmet’s protection against head injury in hopes of avoiding a crash.

To conduct his experiment, Walker rode a bicycle fitted with a computer and an ultrasonic distance sensor and recorded data from more than 2,500 overtaking motorists.

He spent half his time wearing a helmet and half bare-headed. He says he was struck by a bus and a truck while wearing the helmet but was uninjured.

Walker, whose research has been accepted for publication in the international journal Accident Analysis & Prevention at a date not yet set, said his study followed previous research that found many drivers saw cyclists as a group of “lycra-clad street-warriors..”

“This may lead drivers to believe cyclists with helmets are more serious, experienced and predictable than those without,” he said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Walker found drivers passed an average of 3.3 inches (8.5 cm) closer to cyclists with a helmet than without, giving cyclists the room needed to avoid drain covers and potholes.

As part of his experiment, Walker also donned a blond wig and found drivers gave him an average of 5.5 inches more space when they passed what appeared to be a female cyclist.

“We know helmets are useful in low-speed falls, and so definitely good for children, but whether they offer any real protection to somebody struck by a car is very controversial,” said Walker. “Either way, this study suggests wearing a helmet might make a collision more likely in the first place.”

A spokesman for Britain’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said the study highlighted the vulnerability of cyclists and the need for drivers to take greater care.

“But we would not recommend people stop wearing cycle helmets because of this research. Helmets have been shown to reduce the likelihood of head and brain injuries in a crash,” said the spokesman.

This story is a replication of an article by Reuters and Yahoo News

 

MS150 “Waves to Wine” in Napa, CA

A map of a route.


This past weekened more than 1,000 cyclists participated in the Northern California Chapter of the National MS Society’s 22nd Annual MS 150 Waves to Wine Bike Tour sponsored by Dry Creek Vineyard and Pyramid Alehouse. The two-day, fully supported cycling event offers one of the most beautiful routes in the country and is the single largest multiple sclerosis fundraiser in Northern California. The tour took riders on a tour of the Napa and Sonoma County wine country and provided cyclists with breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast before the excursion culminates in Petaluma.

The Team I rode this event as a member of the Best Dam Bike Team. Led by my sister-in-law, Sheryl Keeme who is the Vice President for the Arizona Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Along with Sheryl, I rode with my brother, Al Keeme, Maureen Kempton, Jason Creed and Fred Fathe, all fellow Arizona cyclists. Aside from the beautiful scenery the must cooler temperature was a welcome change from the normal Arizona heat back home. The Route – Day 1 MS150 “Waves to Wine†in Napa, CAThe basic MS 150 route covers 75 miles each day. However, cyclists have the option of cycling to the lunch stop on both days, a distance of about 35 miles. There was also a 100 mile course option on Saturday. All cyclists start in Napa and head north along the world-renowned Silverado Trail. Breaking for lunch in Calistoga, cyclists then head into Sonoma County through the captivating Alexander Valley and Chalk Hill wine regions, en route to the overnight location in Santa Rosa. Riders had the option of camping free of charge or taking a shuttle bus to an area hotel. After the ride we were all happy to be staying in a nice warm and cozy hotel. The Route – Day 2 MS150 “Waves to Wine†in Napa, CA

The route for this year’s event is comparable to (and no more difficult than) those in prior years. Saturday’s route is virtually flat for the first thirty-five miles (the short course up the Silverado Trail), and the climbs on the 75 mile route (Highway 128 out of Calistoga and Chalk Hill Road into Santa Rosa) have been part of the course in years past. Sunday’s route is, in large measure, identical to the Saturday route in previous years, and the short course along the coast is flat to downhill (and stunningly beautiful) with some rolling hills through beautiful Chileno Valley).

The elevation profiles and elevation gain totals generated by the mapping software may make the climbing seem pretty daunting, because the graphic profile compresses 75 miles into a few inches. In reality, the hill “spikes” you see on the elevation profile are very ridable moderate hills. When compared to other organized events such as the Marin Century, the Wine Country Century, or the Tour of the Napa Valley, Waves to Wine is, overall, less challenging. If you feel up to riding 35 or 75 miles in a day, Waves to Wine should be quite pleasant and doable. This doesn’t mean that there is no climbing…what would a ride in Northern California be without a few hills? Just remember, for every uphill, there is a downhill.

Off the bike

I started my trip stuck at the aiport on Friday night (that’s another story in itself) and didn’t arrive into Santa Rosa until 1 AM on Saturday morning. The 4 1/2 hours of sleep was a great little nap before I started the ride on Saturday. The other members on my team were smart enough to arrive a day or two before and had ample time to tour a few wineries and attend a few tastings as well. Like any MS150 ride there is plenty of other cyclists to ride with however we all did appreciate how better organized the Arizona ride is in comparison.

Saturday evening we all got together for a light hearted meal with fun spirited conversation. All capped off by a 20+ mile car ride trying to find the darn Cold Stone Creamery…which was ultimately worth it. So we had a great time much in part to the great company, the cooler weather and the beautiful scenery. Now that we’re no longer rookies to the ride and router we’re already looking ahead to participating in the event for 2007 and welcome anyone to come ride with us.

 

Welcome to White Mountain Road Club

 

 

White Mountain Road Club is a non-profit (501c3) organization based in Phoenix, Arizona. Since 1997 this club has been registered with the State Corporation Commission of Arizona as a non-profit club. The club is affiliated with the United States Cycling Federation (USCF) which promotes professional and amateur bicycle racing in the United States.

 

White Mountain Road Club has four main interests:

  • To promote cycling at all levels in the state of Arizona.
  • To promote White Mountain Road Club and its sponsors.
  • To follow the guidelines and interests of the USCF.
  • To support its membership in a friendly, encouraging team environment.

White Mountain Road Club is proud to have been named 2001 USA Cycling Division I Club of the Year. The club was also awarded the 1993 District, Regional, and Sectional club of the year.

White Mountain Road Club has a close relationship with our USCF District Representative and the USCF itself, thus providing members with a good understanding of USCF rules, regulations, and racing ideology.

White Mountain Road Club promotes itself and its sponsors as a positive and growing organization in the cycling community, stressing a clean, competitive image at all events. We are very proud of our sponsors and display their logos on all clothing, race announcements, newsletters, and other club related material. We mention our sponsors on our ‘ride line’ (480) 460-4527 that anyone can call to get the latest information on club training rides, USCF races, or other club and USCF events. In addition the White Mountain home page (http://www.wmrc.org) on the World Wide Web has additional club information with links to our sponsors’ home pages.

White Mountain Road Club supports all levels and categories of its racing membership including juniors’, women’s, and seniors’ divisions. We develop new racers through education in training and racing. We support both new and established racers with clothing and equipment discounts.

White Mountain Road Club Regional Men’s amateur team won two National Racing Calendar (NRC) races in 2003. The Regional Women’s team also had three of its senior women in the 2000 Olympic Trials and they received national television coverage on OLN and ESPN.

Click here to read more about the White Mountain Road Club

 

2014 Results

 

  2014 Results

Stage
Men Pro 1
Women Pro 1, 2
Men 2
Men 3
Men 4
Men 5

WM

3

WM 4
WM 35
MM 35
MM 45
MM 55
MM 65
JRM
9 – 12
JRM
13 – 14
JRM 15-16
JRM 17-18
JRW 9 – 12
JRW
13 – 14
JRW 15 – 16
JRW 17 – 18
TT
XX
RR
XX
GC
XX
Crit
XX
GC
XX